Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 1947

Vol. 109 No. 6

Committee on Finance. - Vote 17—Rates on Government Property.

Mr. Derrig

I move:—

That a supplementary sum not exceeding £12,600 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending 31st March, 1948, for Rates and Contributions in lieu of Rates, etc., in respect of Government Property, and for Contributions towards Rates on Premises occupied by Representatives of External Governments.

The additional provision of £12,600 is required because the rates in a number of rating areas proved to be higher than was anticipated when the original Estimate was being prepared. The original provision for this service was £178,300 and the revised provision is £190,900.

General MacEoin

I am glad the Minister has made that point clear, that it is necessary for the Government to bring in an increased demand because of the increased rates that are being struck by the rating authorities. When they consider the amount of the increase upon Government lands, the Government can see the amount that arises in the case of the farming community.

I take it this is the sum required for one year. Imagine an increase of £12,600 for rates alone! It is a striking piece of evidence in support of the contention that the rates are going out of all proportion to the capacity of the people to bear them. The people are now called upon to bear this huge amount. A number of these places are occupied by people who derive some benefit from them, and I think in those cases there should be some steps taken so that a proportion of the rates would be borne by the occupants.

Mr. MacBride

Could the Minister give some information as to the nature of the increases? Are the increases due solely to the increases in the rates or are they due to additional buildings? For example, is this item of £5 for the President's establishment due to the increase in the rates in the City of Dublin or is it due to additional building accommodation?

Mr. Derrig

It is entirely due to increased rates.

Mr. MacBride

May I take it that that is so in relation to each of the items?

Mr. Derrig

I am informed that that is so in regard to each of the items.

General MacEoin

Is it not correct that the Minister had already budgeted for the President's establishment, for example, and he now requires an additional £5 although he knew when budgeting that the rates had already gone up?

Mr. MacBride

The rates are struck in March and the Budget comes out in April or May so it ought to be possible to budget on the basis of the rates which have been struck.

Mr. Derrig

The Estimates are prepared in November in Government Departments and I think that they are not taken by local authorities until towards the end of the financial year. In any case the position is that 5 per cent. was taken since the Department concerned was not in a position to secure information to enable them to make a closer estimate. The 5 per cent. was to allow for increases but the margin budgeted was insufficient. For example, in Dublin County Borough and Kildare where the bulk of Government property is located, there is an increase of 8 per cent. and 10 per cent. respectively. The increase in Dublin City is £9,600, or more than three quarters.

General MacEoin

I suppose we will have to give it or the furniture would be seized in the place by Dublin Corporation. It would be a nice how-do-you-do if the things were carried away.

Vote agreed to.